RIBA members
Kent SmS supports architects not just for business reasons but because they are incredibly resourceful. To supplement their income one practice we work alongside runs a studio at Kingston School of architecture. It is a massive commitment for little recompense. We much admire their enthusiasm. Architects rarely take things at face value and for some [...]
new model required
Surely you do not plan to continue marketing your practice/company the same way as before the recession arrived? Even in London where things move along at quite a pace and change can be rapid there is little sign of departure from tradition. Many architects & engineers still continue to talk mostly about themselves, use outdated [...]
Lateral Thinking
Kent SMS continues to examine a range of market sectors in order to inform the strategies it recommends to clients. A well-considered strategy for the development of new business can withstand close scrutiny. This is because the propositions have been carefully analysed and the best course of action given the poll position. The Built Environment [...]
speedtalk
Kent SMS attended the NLA breakfast at store street on 3o july to hear the great & good discuss the value of good school design. peter murray chaired the event and various prominent architects spoke for a timely few minutes before peter jumped up to signal their imminent departure from the rostrum. clearly some extremely [...]
workshop on passivhaus
Kent SMS found the conference of 15th July most interesting particularly the statement that you cannot reach code level 6 without using passivhaus principles. The UK is way behind in relation to much of northern europe. Current best practice is 35-40 kwh/m2/yr whereas the passivhaus performance target for space heating & cooling demand is 15 [...]
open those curtains wide
Would you believe it! Cameron & Clegg on the steps of number 10. So where do we go from here? The whole built emvironment sector waits with bated breath. Commercial developers need proper support from their banks, architects need restrictions on new build projects to be lifted if things are to improve. At least today [...]
occupancy
Just who is going to kickstart a major housebuilding programme that will provide affordable sustainable homes for the people? The policies all the parties have put forward so far have been described by the economist as “timid & uninspiring’ Kent SMS feels that that fine word rhubarb best sums up the whole business of another ghastly [...]
commercial development
On behalf of two architectural clients Kent SMS has been making discreet telephone calls to developers up & down the UK in order to assess the current situation. It is clear that 2010 will remain difficult for the majority of developers. The reason for this is not just the fact that their banks are reluctant [...]
choking on my weetabix
The Tories’ shadow chancellor has called for “a new model of economic growth that keeps mortgage rates low, creates jobs and doesn’t choke off the recovery”. The UK is being held back by a number of issues that must be addressed if we are to move forward in 2010. One is debt at every level [...]
marketing your practice
You simply must read the chapter on New Business Development. ‘Drawing on the expertise of a range of industry insiders, this practical and accessible guide shows how effective marketing can give your practice the edge. With examples, tips, and guidelines that can easily be applied to a practice of any size, Marketing your Practice brings [...]
